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DISCOURSE; 



ON 



THE EVILS AND THE END 



OF 



W A. E 



BY THOMAS WILLIAMS. 



providence: 

ALFRED ANTHONY, STEAM PRINTER 

1862. 



. VA/73 






A DISCOURSE. 



They shall beat their swords into plough-shares, and their spears into 
pruning hooks ; nation shall not lift up sword againt nation, 
neither shall they learn war any more. Isaiah, u. 4. 

The prophet declared, that what is foretold in the text 
and context, "shall come to pass in the last days." The 
last days signify, without question, the times of the Mes- 
siah. The period, which is intended by the last days, began 
when the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven ; and 
was exalted as "the head over all things to the church." 
Some part of the prediction, which includes our text, was 
accomplished in the calling of the Gentiles to the knowl- 
edge and worship of the true God, and the great success of 
the gospel in the days of the apostles. But it has been 
justly observed — " There needs no other proof, that the 
grand accomplishment of this prophecy is reserved for some 
future period, than the consideration, that nothing, in any 
measure answerable to such forcible expressions, has yet 
occurred on earth." As yet, events have been so different 
from what is foretold, that multitudes, with the scriptures 
in their hands, imagine, that the joyful scenes described by 
the prophet, will never be realized in this world. But the 
God of truth, who speaks and it is done, has said of the 
nations of the earth, " they shall beat their swords into 
plough-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks ; nation 
shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall thev 
learn war any more." This divine declaration places be- 
fore us the following sentiment : — Though war has existed 
in past ages, in a future period, it shall wholly cease. 

To illustrate this sentiment, it is proposed, 

I. To consider the existence of war in past ages; 

II. To inquire how it appears, that war shall, at some 
future period, wholly cease; and, 

III. To show in what way war shall cease to exist 
among all nations. It is proposed, 

I. To consider the existence of war in past ages. Of its 
existence, it may be observed, 

1. War has existed in every age and nation. Of the 
early ages of the world we have no authentic history, but 



what is in the scriptures. Though the scriptural account 
of events be very concise, from some facts which it records, 
is reason to conclude that war existed before the ilood. 
Those persons, who are called giants and their descendants, 
who became mighty men and men of renown, were probably 
distinguished by their exploits as chieftains, warriors and 
conquerors. Nirarod, who lived soon after the flood, was a 
warrior : by his martial achievements, he brought under 
his subjection an extensive kingdom. In the time of Abra- 
ham, many kings were engaged in war. To deliver Lot, 
who was taken captive in one of their wars, Abraham 
"armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three 
hundred ami eighteen." \\ hen Esau went to meet Jac 
he took with him four hundred men. These facts afford evi- 
dence of the existence of war. in the early ages of the 
world. If war had not commonly existed, and had not been 
constant danger of its exisence, it cannot be supposed that 
Esau could have commanded, on such an occasion, an army 
of four hundred men: nor would the hundred- ot Abraham's 
servant-, have been trained to bear arms. Since the time- 
of the patriarchs, both sacred and profane history are chiefly 
employed in an account of the wars, that have existed 
among the nations of the earth. It is believed, that no na- 
tion or people has been known, that was wholly unacquaint- 
ed with the evils of war. It has existed among such na- 
tions, as professed to know and worship the true God. as 
well as among the heathens. It has existed among civiliz- 
ed nations, as well as among savages. Nor has often been 
a period of the smallest duration, in which war did not ex- 
ist in some part o\' the earth. In tables of chronology, it is 
noted as a remarkable event, that about the time the Lord 
Jesus Christ was born, the temple of Janus was -hut by 
Augustus, as an emblem of universal peace. This fact 
shows, that war has generally and almost continually, exist- 
ed among the nations. At die beginning of the year 1814, 
all the kingdoms and states of Christendom were involved in 
war. It may be truly asserted, thai war has existed in past 
ages among all nations. 

2. War ha- generally employed and frequently exhausted 
the strength of nations. In the policy ol all nations, war- 
like designs and achievements have been a principal object. 
In many nations all tie- designs and measures of govern- 
ment have been adapted to military purposes. In some 
Stale- children and youth have been taught the art of war, 
as the essential and most important article in their educa- 
tion. Civil governments have frequently required ail their 
subjects, who were capable of the service, to be regularly 



•* 



e 



trained to bear arms. Almost all nations, even in times of 
peace, have maintained standing armies at immense ex- 
pense. Heavier taxes have been imposed and larger por- 
tions of property expended for military purposes, than for 
all other objects, that have been proposed and pursued by 
civil governments. It has been calculated, that the expen- 
ses of existing wars for the year, that ended on the ninth 
of September 1.813, amounted to 2,2f)0,000,000 of dollars. 
The expenses of great Britain for that year, on account of 
war. have been computed at 440,000.000 of dollars ; and of 
France and her tributaries at 620,000,000 of dollars. The 
expenses of war, that year were extraordinary. Yet the ex- 
penses of war, many other years, have been nearly as great. 
National expenses for military purposes, have always been 
enormous. Besides the money, that is raised for military 
purposes, the expenses occasioned by wars in other respects, 
both to communities and individuals, defy computation. 
Nations have generally employed and frequently exhausted 
the strength of their pecuniary resources for the purposes 
of war. 

Nor have they less employed and exhausted their strength, 
in other respects, for the. same purposes. This would be 
evident from a correct statement respecting the vast num- 
ber of men, who have been formed into armies and engaged 
in military expeditions. In the ten tribes of Israel, Jero- 
boam had an army of 800,000. Zera, the Ethiopian, came 
against Asa with 1,000,000. Jehosophat had in his king- 
dom 1,200,000 warriors. The army with which Xerxes invad- 
ed Greece, according to Herodotus, amounted to 2,100,000. 
It has been computed, that for five years Bonaparte had, 
on an average, 1,000,000 of men under arms. Besides the 
men in arms, he must have had a vast number, who were 
otherwise employed for military purposes. If we consider 
the number, who have been formed into armies and engag- 
ed in martial concerns, it must appear, tint war has em- 
ployed and exhausted the strength of nations. 

But we must also take into account, the multitudes, who 
have been devoured by the sword. In a single engagement 
at ThermopylasB, the Persians are said to have lost 20,000. 
In the battle of Cannas, 45,000 Romans were left on the 
field. In the battles between Benjamin and the other tribes 
of Israel 65,000 men were slain. At Arbella, the Persian 
army was routed by Alexander, with the loss of 300,000. 
In a' battle between Jeroboam and Abijah," there fell down 
slain of Israel 500,000 chosen men." Caesar is stated to 
have slain of his enemies 1,192,000 Ghengis Khan is sup- 
posed to have destroyed 14.000,000, in the last twenty years 
of his life. 



s 

During the year proceeding the ninth of September 1813, 
it has been computed, that at least ^00.000 men in the prime 
of life, were destroyed by the war in Europe. By the mid- 
dle of the year 181:2, it 'was computed, that 10,000,000 ot 
the human race had fallen victims to the wars, that had 
existed since the commencement of the French revolution. 
Besides, it must be observed, that war destroys and ob- 
structs whatever is excellent and desirable in the character 
and conditions of nations. .Many nations have lost by 
war, their virtue, their honor, their happiness and even their 
existence. It is very evident, that in all past ages, nations 
have generally employed and frequently exhausted their 
strength, in all respects, by their wars. 

3. \\ ar has always been occasioned by human wicked- 
ness. If mankind were not sinful and guilty creatures, they 
never would learn and practice the art of war: nor would 
they be subjected to its evil-. It is true, that God has, in 
some instances, required his servants to take the sword for 
the purpose of his vengeance on nations, who had complet- 
ed the measure of their iniquities. It was then the duty of 
his servants to wage war, in obedience to his commands. 
Bur even in such instances, war was occasioned by human 
wickedness. For if wicked nations had not provoked the 
Holy One of Israel by their crimes, he would not have re- 
quired anil authorized his servants to be the instruments Of 
his justice in their punishment. Hut wars have been com- 
menced and prosecuted, without the least regard to truth or 
justice. " How often has a war been declared, with the 
prospect that not less than 50,000 lives must be sacrificed j 
while the chief agent in making the war would not have 
given his own life, to secure to his nation every thing that 
he claimed trom the other." War commonly arises from 
the most sinful and hateful passions. In most instance-, 
it springs directly from the carnal mind, which is enmity 
against God. By James, God says, "Whence come wars 
and fightings among you.' Come they not hence, even of 
your lusts, thai war in your members .'" That spirit, which 
influences mankind in their wars, is the spirit of enmity 
against God and his pure and perfect law and the gospel of 
h\> grace. It is the spirit of injustice and malice, of rob- 
bery and murder. In general, they who have been most 
active in wars, have been monsters v\ wickedness. With- 
out flagrant wickedness in one party, or in both parties, no 
instance of war would ever have existed on earth. The 
designs and conduct o( nations and oi' individuals, who 
are engaged in war, exhibit the most shameful and shock- 
ing scenes of cruelty and deceit, of violence and revenge. 






Even at this late age of the world, and among nations, 
who pretend to an high degree of refinement, wars are so 
begun and conducted, as to afford the most decisive and 
humbling evidence of the desperate wickedness of human 
beings. Without any question, it must be admitted, that 
war has always been occasioned, either directly or indirect- 
ly, by human depravity. It may be further observed. 

4. That the evils of war have been inflicted upon the 
human race, as a divine judgment. Though the nations of 
earth have wickedly delighted in war, yet in their military 
preparations and achievements, they have been under the 
divine governmet. God uses the wort of men in their 
worst designs and exertions, without destroying or lessening 
their criminality, as instruments to accomplish his holy 
and sovereign purposes. Such persons, as have been, in 
their military achievements, mighty men and men of re 
nown, have been the rod of God's anger, and been used, in 
his holy providence, to scourge guilty nations. Upon such 
nations God has often threatened to inflict the evils of war 
for their crimes. And he calls the sword, one of his sore 
judgments. The design and agency of God, in bringing 
on nations the evils of war, are very plainly and frequently 
asserted in the holy scriptures. By Jeremiah it is written 
— " O thou sword of the Lord, how long will it be ere thou 
be quiet? put up thyself into the scabbard, rest and be 
still. How can it be quiet, seeing the Lord hath given it a 
charge against Ashkelon and against the sea-shore ? there 
hath he appointed it." By the same prophet God said, 
" Lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon, 
an assembly of great nations from the north country ; and 
they shall set themselves in array against her. Put your- 
selves in array against Babylon; all ye, that bend the bow, 
shoot at her; spare no arrows; for she hath sinned against 
the Lord. — It is the vengeance of the Lord : take ven- 
geance upon her." And again, it is said by the same 
prophet in reference to the same events — " The Lord hath 
opened his armory and hath brought forth the weapons of 
his indignation: for this is the work of the Lord God of 
hosts in the land of the Chaldeans." From what is declar- 
ed in these passages and in many other places of scripture, it 
is evident that God does, in his righteous displeasure, in- 
flict upon mankind the evils of war. 

Having stated several considerations on the existence of 
war in past ages, it is now proposed, 

II. To inquire how it appears, that at some future period, 
war shall wholly cease to exist. 

There is no natural necessity for the existence of war. 



8 

It is possible in the nature of things, that it should wholly 
cease to exist. That it shall cease to exist is asserted in 
the words of our text. But how does ir appear to be cer- 
tain, that, at some future period, nations shall learn war no 
more ? 

Ir, may be answered, 

1. It does not appear from the native character of man- 
kind. As men arc voluntary instruments in all wars, it 
seems proper to take their character into consideration, in 
order to form an opinion respecting the existence of war. 
If nations did not choose to engage in wars, they never 
would exist. Is such the character of mankind, as affords 
any certainty, or any prospect, that at some future period, 
war shall wholv cease to exist? From their own depraved 
and sinful spirit, nations have been disposed, in past age-, 
to involve themselves in the evils of war. Nor do we ex- 
pect, thai tin' character of human beings ever will be, by 
nature, essentially different from what it always has been. 
If we must form a judgment respecting the future exist- 
ence of war, merely from the native character of mankind, 
we have no reason to hope that this great evil will ever 
cease to exist. It is certain, that war will exist, so long as 
the nations of the earth retain that character, with which 
the human race are born into the world. For by the wisest 
of men, the Holy Spirit declares, that "the heart of the 
sons of men is full of evil and madness i> in their heart." 
By him, who once thought himself blameless, it is written, 
" The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not sub- 
ject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." While the 
moral character of mankind remains depraved and sinful, 
neither any external circumstances, nor any experience of 
the evils of war, nor any treaties of peace, will ever induce 
the nations wholly to cease from hostility. From the na- 
tive character of mankind, is no reason to expect, that war 
will ever cease to exist. Xor. 

'2. Is it certain that war will cease from events that have 
yet. taken place. The political relations and interests of 
different nations, at the present time, afford no barrier 
againsl tin' future existence o\ violent and bloody wars. 
Tin' recenl wars in Europe have rendered the different pow- 
er-, in thai quarter oi the globe, very suspicious and irrita- 
ble. Judging from present appearances, war will rage, as 
commonly and terribly, in that part of the earth, as it has 
clone lor many centuries. European nations have such con- 
nections and such influence in other regions of the earth, 
tliit whenever they engage in war, they spread its ravages, 
in some measure, through the world. From the present 



characters, governments, relations and interests of the na- 
tions, appears every reason to expect the existence of war 
in future, in as great a degree as it has existed in past ages. 
Almost in every country is a large number of men, who 
are soldiers by profession. It is their interest to maintain 
the spirit of contention among the nations. Scenes of vio- 
lence and plunder are their delight. In those nations, who 
have most severely suffered the evil effects of war, does not 
yet appear any peculiar disposition to "beat their swords 
into plough-shares and their spears into pruning-hooks." — 
Instead of attempting wholly to prevent the future exist- 
ence of wars, the maxim of nations still is — In time of 
peace, prepare for war. From no events, that have taken 
place does it appear certain, or probable, that nations shall, 
at any future time, learn war no more. But — 

3. The certainty, that war shall wholly cease to exist, 
arises from what God has declared in the scriptures. The 
divine Being knows what will exist in the future, 
among the nations of the eai-th. He is able to foretell all 
future events. Many events, that were once future, he 
foretold by his inspired servants. Nothing of his word has 
failed of a perfect accomplishment, so far as it has respect- 
ed events, that are now past. But many divine predictions 
respect events, that are yet future. Of these predictions 
one of the most important respects the total cessation of 
hostility and of military preparations and interests among 
the nations of the earth. This prediction is found in the 
words of our text. It is also found in many other pas- 
sages of scripture. The psalmist says, " Yet a little while 
and the wicked shall not be ; yea, thou shalt diligently con- 
sider his place and it shall not be. But the meek shall in- 
herit the earth ; and shall delight themselves in the abun- 
dance of peace." By the prophet Isaiah, God says — 
" They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; 
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as 
the waters cover the sea." Besides, in all the predictions 
of the future enlargement and glory of the Redeemer's 
kingdom, it is either expressly asserted or plainly implied, 
that war with all its evils shall wholly cease to exist. Such 
are the divine predictions respecting this important and 
joyful event. It is wholly and only from these predic- 
tions, that arises the certainty, that war shall, at some fu- 
ture period, wholly cease to exist. It is now proposed to 
show in what way this great and joyful prediction will be 
accomplished. 

For information on this subject we are wholly indebted 
to the scriptures. From what is declared in the scriptures, 



•■> 



10 

it may be observed, that war may cease to exist, the gospel 
must be published through the whole earth. This obser- 
vation is apparent from our context: " And it shall come 
to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's 
house shall be established in the top of the mountains and 
shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall How 
unto it. And many people shall go and say, come ye, and 
let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of 
the God of Jacob ; and he will teach us of his ways, and 
.we will walk in his paths : for out of Zion shall go forth 
the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." Then 
follows the verse which contains our text : " And he shall 
judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people : 
and they shall beat their swords into plough-shares and 
their spears into pruning-hooks ; nation shall not lift up 
sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any 
more." By the law and the word of the Lord are intend- 
ed the instructions of the gospel. By these instructions, 
the Lord Jesus Christ will judge among the nations and 
rebuke many people. He will, by the gospel, assert and 
evince his supreme authority; and exhibit and condemn 
the wickedness and delusions of the nations in learning 
and practising the cruel arts of war. In this way he will 
give the instructions, which are necessary to induce man- 
kind to learn war no more. In the eleventh chapter of Isa- 
iah's prophecy, it is declared, in reference to the future 
peace of all nations, that "the earth shall be full of the 
knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." — 
This prevalence of divine knowledge, is given, as a reason 
for the total cessation of violence and contention among 
the nations. In the predictions which respect the future 
peace of the nations, the general diffusion of divine knowl- 
edge, by the publication of the gospel, is either asserted or 
implied to be the means of this great event. 

That war may wholly cease, there will also be a general 
effusion of the Holy Spirit on all the nations. However 
mankind may be instructed by the gospel, they will persist 
in their enmity against their Creator and their fellow crea- 
tures, unless the Holy Spirit turn their hearts to receive and 
obey the truth. So far as true love to God and man has 
existed in any human beings, it has been the fruits 
of the Holy Spirit. Neither individuals nor nations 
will ever lie trulv disposed to live in love and peace, unless 
they be renewed in the temper of their minds. In the 
scriptures it is predicted that, through divine influence, the 
gospel shall prevail among all nations, and the kingdom of 
the Redeemer be extended through the earth. Of the 



11 

Lord Jesus Christ it is written, — " He shall come down like 
rain upon the mown grass : as showers that water the 
earth. In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abun- 
dance of peace so long as the moon endureth. He shall 
have dominion also from sea to sea ; and from the river to 
the ends of the earth. Yea, all kings shall fall down be- 
fore him: all nations shall serve him." When the minis- 
ters of the Lord Jesus Christ shall go, with the holy bible, 
into all the earth, and preach the gospel unto every crea- 
ture, the necessary preparation will be made for the gener- 
al effusion of the Holy Spirit. Then the divine Spirit will 
cause all nations to receive the truth and be submissive 
and obedient unto the Prince of peace. When the kingdom 
of Jesus Christ shall prevail and rill the earth, all nations 
" shall beat their swords into plough-shares and their spears 
into pruning-hooks ; nation shall not lift up sword against 
nation, neither shall they learn war any more." 

From what has been said in the present discourse, we 
may see the greatness of that moral change, which is yet 
to be effected among the nations. If we consider this 
change in respect to war only, it must appear very great. 
In past ages, the evils of war have been fastened on the 
world by the character, the policy and the counsels of na- 
tions. In trie exploits of war, they have placed their glory 
and exhausted their strength. But the time will come, 
when they shall learn war no more. This state of things 
will be an effect of that change, which is to be produced in 
the moral character of mankind. The nations will cease 
from war and be relieved from its bitter effects, because the 
spirit of truth and love will dwell and reign in all their 
hearts. Of such a change, the language of inspiration af- 
fords the only worthy description. And in describing this 
change, the holy Spirit uses the boldest figures. He says 
by Isaiah, " The wolf shall dwell with the lamb and the 
leopard shall lie down with the kid ; and the calf and the 
young lion and the fatling together ; and a little child shall 
lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed ; their 
young ones shall lie down together : and the lion shall eat 
straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the 
hole of the asp; and the weaned child shall put his hand 
on the cockatrice's den." Again, he says by the same proph- 
et, in reference to the Savior's kingdom — " Every valley 
shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made 
low; and the crooked shall be made straight and the rough 
places plain." And again God says — " Behold I create 
new heavens and a new earth : and the former shall not be 
remembered, nor come into mind." In the first of these pas- 



1:2 

sages, that change, which is to be wrought in the charac 
of mankind, is represented by changing the temper of sav- 
age beasts, who lived by devouring other creatures, into 
such gentleness, that they shall dwell with tin' most do- 
mestic and harmless animals; and by rendering poisonous 
serpents perfectly inoffensive. In the nexl ; e, it. is 

represented by changing the very face raid form of the solid 
earth. And in the last, God represents himself, in causing 
this change, as creatine new heavens and a new earth. — 
And so different from what had previously existed, will be 
the character and condition of mankind, after this divine 
production of knowledge, holiness and happiness in 
the human race, God declares shall be no remembrance, nor 
conception of the former state of things. If so great will 
be the effect of this moral change on the character, con- 
duct and state of nations in respecl to war. as has been re- 
presented in the present discourse, its effects in otherresp 
will be so great, as to justify the bold and lofty descriptions, 
which the holy spirit Iras given of it in the scriptures of 
truth. But these descriptions evince, that of the greatness 
of this change, in its glorious connections and consequences, 
no finite mind can form any adequate conception. By this 
work, God designs to display the riches of his glory; and 
to gratify his eternal and unbounded benevolence. 

To Christian believers, it must be highly delightful to an- 
ticipate the happiness of the nations, when war shall cease 
to exist, through the prevalence of the gospel. In all pasl 
asres, the righteous have seen the world filled with wicked- 
ness and violence. They have seen millions and millions 
of their fellow creatures, under the delusions of satan, and 
the influence of their unholy passions perishing in their 
blood. In view of these scenes, every pious person has 
said with the afflicted and weeping prophet, "O that my 
head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, thai 1 
might weep day and night!'* Nor would be the smallest 
prospect, or the least hope of any essential amendment in 
the character and condition ^\ nations, without the predic- 
tions of the holy Spirit. With the bible in their hands, and 
holy faith in their hearts. Christians can arise and stand o\[ 
the lofty mountains, in prospect, see tin' whole earth tilled 
with knowledge and love, with peace and joy. This pros- 
pect i- founded on no human conjectures. It is no delu- 
sive picture t>( sportive fancy. It is founded ow the word 
of God; and drawn in the living and unfading colors of 
heavenly truth. Nor will the happiness of the nations. 

which shall arise from the go- pel. be imaginary, or irrational. 
Bv the truth they will be turned from lying vanities to sub- 



13 

stantial enjoyments ; from broken cisterns to the fountain of 
living waters. The Millenium of Christianity will exhibit 
the most perfect contrast, with the satanic delusion of in- 
fidelity. In our own day, we have seen the nations, who 
were promised, by professed philosophers and philanthro- 
pists, liberty and happiness, if they would renounce the re- 
straints of religion and government, of conscience and truih, 
rilled with a phrenzy of unholy delight, by the flattering de- 
lusion. But pain and terror, blood and despair, were soon 
the bitter portion of their cup. The Christian confides in no 
such delusive anticipation. He will experience no such 
tormenting disappointment. More than faith can foresee, or 
hope desire, will be realized on earth, when nations shall 
bow to the Prince of peace, and learn war no more. The 
wealth and the labour, which have been employed for mili- 
tary purposes, would remove poverty and ignorance from 
the great body of every community. When the national 
resources, which have been expended in war, shall be de- 
voted to the promotion of knowledge and happiness, every 
branch of natural science and all the elegant and useful arts 
will be generally and extensively cultivated and understood, 
and consecrated to the noblest purposes. Then all the na- 
tions and families of mankind will enjoy the presence and 
blessing of God in their secular interests and employments ; 
and they will be blessed with all spiritual blessings in hea- 
venly places in Christ Jesus. Let every Christian by faith 
behold and enjoy the future peace and glory of the nations, 
when " the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of 
the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the 
people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an 
everlasting kingdom ; and all dominions shall serve and 
obey him." 

Such events, in divine providence, as favor the future 
peace of the world, deserve the most grateful acknowledg- 
ment. When God appears in his glory to accomplish his 
predictions, he ought to be seen and he ought to be praised. 
This duty God enjoins by the devout psalmist. He says, 
" Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he 
hath made in the earth. He maketh war To cease unto the 
end of the earth ; he breaketh the bow and cutteth the spear 
in sunder; he burnetii the chariot in the lire. Be still, and 
know that lam God: I will be exalted among the heathen, 
I will be exalted in the earth/' Never, si inn 1 the world be- 
gan, have the people of God been favoured with a more af- 
fecting occasion for attending to the wonders of his hand, 
than has been presented in the recent dispensations of pro- 
vidence. In our own day, " The Lord has come out of his 



14 

place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniqui- 
ty." "The spirits of devils, working wonders, have come 
forth unto the kings of the earth, and of the whole world, to 
gather them to the battle of that great day of God Al- 
mighty." But while God has been pouring the vials of his 
wrath upon apostate and antichristian nations, the " Angel 
has been seen, flying in the midst of heaven, having the 
everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the 
earth, and to every nation and kindred and tongue and peo- 
ple, saying with a loud voice, fear God: and give glory 
to him ; for the hour of his judgment is come : and worship 
him, that made heaven and earth and the sea, and the foun- 
tains of waters " Thus God has at once appeared, both in 
the terrors of his justice, and in The tokens of his merry. 
At his presence the guilty nations have trembled, in awful 
suspense, whether divine vengeance would be displayed in 
their deserved destruction ; or divine mercy triumph in their 
salvation. At the commencement of the last year, all the 
kingdoms and States of christedom were suffering "the 
punishments of the sword;" but before the year was closed 
a foundation was laid for their restoration to the blessings 
of peace. What God has wrought in causing war to cease 
in Europe and America, demands the most ardent and joy- 
ful gratitude. Peace is a great blessing at any time to any 
people. But the peace lately bestowed upon the contend- 
ing and alllicted nations of Christendom, in its probable 
connections and consequences, must cause "the mountains 
and hills to break forth into singing, and all the trees of the 
field to clap their hands." Now appears nothing to obstruct 
the designs and efforts of Christians to spread the gospel 
among all nations. Should God favour his people with 
such a spirit of faith, of prayer and exertion, as he excited 
and maintained in their breasts during the late wars, very 
soon the nations shall be induced to " beat their swords into 
plough-shares and their spears into pruning-hooks ; nation 
shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they 
learn war any more." Then the swift ships may waft the 
waiting Missionaries without fear, into all the regions of 
the earth. Then Bible Societies can send the precious 
treasure of divine truth in every Language and unto every 
people. Though the faith and patience of Christians may 
yet be tried by some dark and gloomy appearances, yet 
" The mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in 
the top of the mountains and be exalted above the hills; 
and all nations shall flow unto it.*' In view oi the recent 
wonders o( divine providence, which have a most favora- 
ble aspect on the progress ol the gospel and the future peace 



15 

of the world, let the hearts of Christians be filled with joy; 
and their mouths with the sweetest songs of praise. •• O 
Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high 
mountain : O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up 
thy voice with strength; lift it up. be not afraid; say unto 
the cities of Judah — Behold your God!" Let all hear; and 
behold the wonders of the Lord : and give praise and glory 
to his great and holy name. 



APPENDIX. 



The preceding discourse was preached in Providence, on 
the Sabbath, 26th day of February, 1 s 1-j, on the conclusion 
of the war between the United States and Great Britain, 
under the administration of James Madison. It was then 
desired and believed, by intelligent Christians, patriots and 
philanthropists, that the people in the States would so fear 
God and regard man, that they would, for the glory of his 
name, the progress of his kingdom and obedience to the gos- 
pel of the Lord Jesus Christ, no more practice, or learn war. 
Had they so done their duty to themselves, their fellow crea- 
tures, and their Almighty and gracious Creator and divine 
and everlasting Saviour, by the divine Spirit, they would have 
sent the gospel to the increasing millions in these Si; 
and maintained and extended Christian Missions to the 
ends of the earth. What is the word of God this day to 
this people and the message of his mercy and compassion, 
by his Spirit and providence? " O! thatthou hadsl heark- 
ened to my commandments! Then had thy peace been as a 
river; and thy righteousness as the waves of the Bea." What 
now is the voice of God to this people, by his providence, 
Spirit and word. No peace to the wicked ! Hear the Su- 
preme and final Judge, — Fear not them, who kill the 
body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rattier 
Him, who is able to destroy both soul and body in Iltil, Yea, 

1 SAY UNTO VOl", FEAR Hl.M. 



Providence, 7th February, 1S6 



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